Opinions on replacing hydraulic lifters/tappets

[Antsa]

I'm about to replace my valve stem seals due to recent smoking issues. I've been trying to research whether or not to replace the hydraulic lifters while at it. What I have found is that the lifters and cam wear together, meaning I have to put every lifter back to where they came out, if I decide to reuse the old ones. Some people even wrote that if the lifters are replaced the cams should be replaced as well I can't believe that is true.

Is it recommended to change all the lifters once the cams are out? I've had no problems with them but I have no idea how old they are. If I do change them, do I need to soak them in oil, or do something else, before fitting them?

[steve briance]

I'd change them while it is all apart purely because you would be kicking yourself if in a years time they started ticking. Its a fair bit of work to redo.

As for changing the cam if you fit new lifters? I think the forum word filter will edit out what i want to say!

I think whoever wrote that is being a bit alarmist. I mean, where does it stop? New cams, re bore the cam bearings because they were bedded in to the old shaft?

No i dont think so.

[Antsa]

I will be replacing the lifters then What are your thoughts on soaking the lifters in oil before fitting? What I have read on other forums it seems like some people recommend it and some people don't. The bentley manual doesn't say anything about it, other than not to start the before 30 mins has passed after fitting the lifters.

[Bowie69]

The manual only says to check if noisy, and replace if they fail the test:

Screenshot 2021-06-30 at 09.26.19.jpg

The feeling I get from other people's experience on here is that unless you are running stupid RPM/horsepower and they are not noisy the factory lifters are very adequate and not likely to fail -the ones in my engine are 240K miles old and still going strong.

Personally I'd save the cash, and review your plan to change the valve stem seals, as it is quite likely you need to do the guides, as once too worn this is what creates the smoke, with too much wiggle, no seal can stop oil going down.

How to check your valve/guide wear:

Screenshot 2021-06-30 at 09.30.13.jpg

[Tractor Dave]

I like the "Do not start the engine for 30 minutes". As if anyone could put the cover back, IM and all the other bits in 30 mins! Must be a bloody good mechanic

[Antsa]

Bowie, I have read the exact same pages from the manual. To check the guide wear would require the head to come off and I'm not up to it right now. I already have the lifters here, so I'm just wondering if should fit them now or save for later. Not very expensive though, 82€ for all 20 INA lifters.

The reason I don't want to take the head off is the work/money that needs to be invested. I have some plans yo do that once I have the money to do everything properly.

[steve briance]

If you already have them, you arent saving any money by not fitting them! They will easy last another 100k+ miles with new ones im and there is likely to be either more work to do or, no petrol by then anyway